Ali Conway, founder of Rambling Stems, transitioned from corporate marketing to championing sustainable floristry. She shares her inspiring journey and the challenges of breaking away from traditional practices. Emphasizing the dangers of floral foam, Ali advocates for eco-friendly alternatives and the beauty of British blooms. The conversation dives into the importance of adaptable floral education that embraces sustainability. Ali also discusses the role of creativity in working with seasonal flowers and educating clients about environmentally conscious choices.
Ali Conway's transition from corporate marketing to sustainable floristry illustrates the importance of following one's true passion for personal fulfillment.
The harmful effects of traditional floral foam highlight the necessity of adopting eco-friendly alternatives in the pursuit of sustainable floristry practices.
Deep dives
The Journey to Sustainable Floristry
The transformation from a corporate marketing career to sustainable floristry exemplifies a journey rooted in personal discovery. Initially trained in psychology and business, Ali Conway shifted her focus after realizing that traditional corporate roles did not align with her true passions. Following a serendipitous introduction to garden design, she transitioned into gardening and landscaping before finally embracing floristry. This evolution shows how diverse experiences can culminate in fulfilling a creative and environmentally-conscious vocation.
Rethinking Floral Foam and Sustainability
A pivotal moment in the journey toward sustainable floristry stemmed from a negative reaction to floral foam during a class. This prompted a deep dive into the environmental implications of commonly used materials in floristry, revealing that traditional foam is not biodegradable and poses health risks. Ali's commitment to sustainability grew as she sought natural alternatives, nurturing her awareness of how floral design practices impact the environment. This realization shifted her approach to floristry, advocating for more sustainable techniques and materials in the industry.
Challenges and Opportunities in Using British Blooms
Working with locally sourced British flowers presents both challenges and incredible opportunities for florists. While the unpredictability of seasonal availability and varying quantities can add stress to planning, these elements also inspire creativity and spontaneity in design. Ali emphasizes the need to adapt to these circumstances, seeing unexpected substitutions as opportunities to explore new floral palettes. By fostering relationships with local growers, florists can enhance their offerings and embrace the unique beauty of British-grown blooms.
Creating a Community Through Education
The launch of the Great British Flower School is a culmination of Ali's commitment to sustainable floristry and education. This initiative aims to empower florists by sharing knowledge on eco-friendly practices, cutting techniques, and the importance of local sourcing. By organizing free online demos and workshops, Ali and her partner seek to build a supportive community that values sustainability in floristry. This effort reflects the broader goal of redefining industry standards and inspiring a new generation of florists to prioritize environmental consciousness.
Welcome to another episode of The Cutflower Podcast! I’m your host, Roz Chandler, and today I’m thrilled to be joined by the wonderful Ali Conway, who heads up the sustainable floristry company, Rambling Stems. Ali and I have been collaborating for some time, plotting and planning ways to bring sustainable floristry to the forefront. In this episode, we delve into Ali’s fascinating journey from the world of corporate marketing to becoming a passionate advocate for eco-friendly floristry. Grab your cup of tea, settle in, and let’s explore the world of sustainable blooms together!
Episode Summary: In today’s episode, we chat with Ali Conway, founder of Rambling Stems, about her unexpected journey into floristry and her commitment to sustainability. Ali shares her story, from her beginnings in marketing and garden design to discovering her true calling in floristry. We explore the challenges and rewards of working with British blooms, the importance of ditching floral foam, and the beauty of embracing the natural flow of flowers. Ali’s insights highlight how sustainable practices can redefine the art of floristry, making it more aligned with nature.
Key Takeaways:
Unexpected Paths: Ali’s journey from corporate marketing to sustainable floristry shows that it’s never too late to find your true passion.
Ditching Floral Foam: Ali discusses the harmful effects of traditional floral foam and why it’s crucial to seek eco-friendly alternatives.
Working with British Blooms: Learn about the challenges and joys of sourcing and working with British-grown flowers, and how it enhances creativity.
Sustainability in Practice: Simple steps like composting and reducing waste can make a big difference in creating eco-friendly floral designs.
Collaborative Learning: Ali’s story emphasises the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in adapting to sustainable practices.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into sustainable floristry, join us for our upcoming free online event on 19th September, where Ali and I will be sharing live demos and more insights. Link to register is here >